Tamworth’s Matalan to close it’s doors… temporarily

TAMWORTH’S Matalan store is to close its doors for a number of months to make way for construction works.

Planning permission has been granted for an extension to the side of the store and the introduction of a mezzanine floor. This means that the retail floor space will be spread across both the ground floor and first floor.

The plans for the Matalan store are part of wider plans for a face-lift and modernisation of Ventura Retail Park.

At this time, Matalan has not responded as to when the store is due to close and for how long.

Further Developments

Permission has been granted for the units on that phase of the Park to have new cladding to the outside and to modernise the look. The units look will be sticking to the appearance of Next. The plans show that the new frontages of the stores will be predominantly glazed and use new, modern materials.

In addition, units 2, 5 and 6; currently occupied by Halfords, Mothercare and Toys ‘R Us are to have Mezzanine floors installed. In the case of Halfords, extended.

The car park will also see a facelift, with extra spaces added and an improved access road; moving the main road away from the front of the stores to increase safety to pedestrians. An additional 146 parking spaces will be created.

An artists impression of the new look stores.

The planning statement which was prepared by the developers at the time of application stated that the whole development would bring significant economic benefit to Tamworth with the creation of around 66 jobs based on the additional floor space and the assumption of one full-time employee per 90m of floor space. This could add around £2.5 million to the local economy.

It is hoped by developers that the plans will ensure the major retails brands remain in Tamworth for years to come, securing existing employment.

A reminder that this work is being funded by a private company, J.B. Auctott, and not Tamworth Borough Council. The proposals, securing employment and big names is surely a good thing for the town!

Yes, as residents, we would love investments from big names in the Town Centre, but we cannot force the hands of the big names, they choose where they want to do business.